Hello everyone!
I am new to the forums, but I learned more from reading here the past few days than my lifetime’s worth of “education.” Inspired by @IceCreamKid 's “Astonishing Secrets” thread, I want to give back to others however I can immediately. I may not be an entrepreneur yet, but in taking inventory of what skills I possess that would benefit others I found one: Leadership.
People spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on becoming a better leader. They attend seminar after seminar, read book after book, and burn up valuable time trying to find that missing piece to make them perfect leaders. I am going to provide the knowledge and experience I gained during my time in the military as a leader in hope that I can spark a fire and provide value to those that need it.
First, we need to define what a leader and leadership are. The root word within each gives a valuable clue to what this is, LEAD. The verb ‘lead’ has several definitions: to direct on a course or in a direction; to guide on a way especially by going in advance; to direct the operations, activity or performance of; to serve as a channel for; etc. These do a good job in getting us close, but they all thinly veil the hidden secret to what leadership is, what a leader does, and what it means to lead. This missing secret is the focus on others, on WHO is being lead.
Leaders only exist for one purpose: to serve those they lead in the achievement of a shared goal. Leadership is non-existent without others to lead. This is the foundational principle in leadership: you exist to help others achieve a shared goal.
Hundreds of resources are available on leadership. All bring good perspectives to the table. I will never be able to give every single piece of knowledge there is in leading others, but it is my intent to provide tools for your leadership toolbox to help you in leading others toward whatever goal you are in the process of accomplishing. Just know that leadership is an ever evolving process that requires constant application of various tools and resources to help others reach the end goal.
The first tool to focus on are the 14 leadership traits as used by the United States Marine Corps. A great little ‘ditty’ to help us learn this is the acronym: JJ DID TIE BUCKLE. These 14 traits are: Justice, Judgement, Decisiveness, Integrity, Dependability, Tact, Initiative, Enthusiasm, Bearing, Unselfishness, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, and Enthusiasm.
JJ DID TIE BUCKLE
Justice
Defined: “Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishments on merit.”
As leaders, we eventually face challenges that involve a situation between multiple parties. When making a decision and acting upon it, did we consider all parties and information involved in an unbiased view? Fairness is a result of acting upon objective information, not factless opinion. Just because you like employee A over employee B, perhaps employee B deserves the raise due to outperforming employee A by producing more value to the situation. In the event people are to be reprimanded, make sure to include EVERYONE involved who meets the criteria, not excluding those who are close to you on a personal level.
When leaders act, they create a baseline from which future decisions are measured against. Consistency in how we act is crucial in building strong relationships with people. It builds and becomes part of your reputation, your brand. This trait is representive of the moral principles you hold as an individual and leader. There will be times your just decisions will offend and possibly hurt others on a personal level. As long as you properly exercised Justice, giving fair consideration to the situation and acting in a manner consistent with past experiences, the negative response in others is a reflection of their internal viewpoint, or “reality tunnel.” As my father always tells me, “you can’t fight Right, but, you better be Right first.”
Judgement
Defined: “Judgment is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.”
Judgement and Justice go hand in hand. Judgement is the trait used to bring about Justice. If Justice is the result, Judgement is the process. In order to develop this trait, approach items in an “unattached” manner. Zen Buddhist call this mental state “mushin no shin” which translates to “the mind without mind” or a state of “no mindness.” This does not mean that we are braindead to the world, but that we cultivate a mind not distracted by thought or emotion. This allows the mind to be in a state of awareness that is open to everything present. To put things simply, leaders first shut out the internal chatter and observe all they can without attached opinion. Meditation is a proven valuable tool in developing this state.
Decisiveness
Defined: “Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.”
“A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.” -George S. Patton
Decisiveness DRIVES action. As leaders, we make choices for the group to get them to the goal. We CANNOT wait till the perfect time, choice, or environment arrives. We must act quickly with the best information currently available. In battle this builds momentum and energy needed to overcome obstacles.
The top frustration I see with people that give advice in this forum is a lack of decisiveness from the readers. They receive FANTASTIC information worth its weight in gold, but still wait around for more. They wait till they have “the full picture” or “the perfect plan.” Here is the thing, the perfect plan will never arrive. In combat, your plan lasts until you make first contact with the enemy. From there, you constantly are reacting and adapting to a rapidly changing situation. You push, he pulls; he flanks, you counter. Leaders HAVE to be adaptable.
Time is the one resource we cannot create more of. Waiting only wastes the most valuable resource we have available. Take what you have now and RUN WITH IT! By using Justice and Judgement, you will be able to overcome the obstacles once they arrive.
Integrity
Defined: “Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.”
Integrity is a pretty straightforward concept. It is essentially a state of congruency in how you act with what principles you adhere to. Acting within the guidelines set by the moral principles you choose to believe is acting with integrity. Integrity is a hallmark of character. It goes together with Justice and several other traits that create your reputation. Acting with Integrity solidifies relationships with others and produces value because one acts from a higher sense of purpose (a purpose focused on others), and not out of selfish desire. By having and utilizing Integrity, leaders build Loyalty between those they lead and themselves.
Dependability
Defined: “Dependability means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.”
Dependability is doing what you say you will do or are expected to do. It is the fulfillment of obligations we create with other people. Dependability creates trust, which creates Loyalty, which creates relationships that act as force multipliers in our lives. Dependability produces an immense amount of value due to its relationship with TIME. By being dependable, we save time for others by avoiding situations that develop as a result of not fulfilling the obligations we create. The fastest way to break trust between a leader and those they lead is by not being dependable in fulfilling obligations.
On the battlefield, Dependability saves lives. We depend on the person fighting to our left and our right to protect our weak flanks. We depend on them to provide aid when we are wounded. We depend on them to accomplish their mission so that we can accomplish ours in turn. By being dependable, we set the conditions needed for others to accomplish their goals. This one trait helps all involved by multiplying value throughout the whole organization.
Tact
Defined: “Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.”
Tact is the trait of putting others first in interactions; to be able to view things from their viewpoint. When we act with Tact, we are interacting in a manner that seeks to find solutions, not develop more issues. We do this by putting thought of others before ourselves. Tact is violated when Ego decides to override the situation and decides you are more important. Pride is a huge example of this. When we act from a mindset of lack and not abundance, of selfishness instead of compassion, we say or act in a way that spirals into a situation producing disharmony and strife. This generates more problems due to leeching value from others to feed opinions that produce feelings of superiority, instead of helping all those around to rise up with us.
Many leaders think that being firm is “my way or the highway.” Firmness is utilizing Integrity to make sure what we say and do matches what we value. It is making a choice and developing it instead of jumping from choice to choice to please one person at a time. Firmness is the application of Justice in how we present ourselves and our actions.
Initiative
Defined: “Initiative is taking action even though you haven't been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.”
This trait is what separates the amateurs from the professionals. This is how millions and billions are made. Initiative is taking action without being told to do it. It is seeing an opportunity and acting swiftly.
Initiative and Decisiveness are very similar in that they prompt action. While Decisiveness is acting quickly after clearly considering the information present in a short duration of time, Initiative is acting with limited information in order to seize an opportunity. Initiative is the biggest impulse to momentum. It is taking action NOW, even if you are not sure how to do it or have the resources available.
Initiative allows us a unique ability to “hijack” time. It gives us an edge, and opportunity to ACT while forcing others to REACT. We may not know what to do next or with what resources, but now that others are reacting to our choices, this forces them to work in the present focusing on the past while we work in the present focusing on the future. The gap in the reaction time is the new hijacked free time we have to make decisions and move ahead. By the time they catch up, we will be two steps ahead, setting momentum in our favor.
*The decision making cycle is called the OODA Loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. By taking the initiative and acting, we are at the end of the cycle, forcing others to start the loop at the beginning. This is the HOW of why it works.
I am new to the forums, but I learned more from reading here the past few days than my lifetime’s worth of “education.” Inspired by @IceCreamKid 's “Astonishing Secrets” thread, I want to give back to others however I can immediately. I may not be an entrepreneur yet, but in taking inventory of what skills I possess that would benefit others I found one: Leadership.
People spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on becoming a better leader. They attend seminar after seminar, read book after book, and burn up valuable time trying to find that missing piece to make them perfect leaders. I am going to provide the knowledge and experience I gained during my time in the military as a leader in hope that I can spark a fire and provide value to those that need it.
First, we need to define what a leader and leadership are. The root word within each gives a valuable clue to what this is, LEAD. The verb ‘lead’ has several definitions: to direct on a course or in a direction; to guide on a way especially by going in advance; to direct the operations, activity or performance of; to serve as a channel for; etc. These do a good job in getting us close, but they all thinly veil the hidden secret to what leadership is, what a leader does, and what it means to lead. This missing secret is the focus on others, on WHO is being lead.
Leaders only exist for one purpose: to serve those they lead in the achievement of a shared goal. Leadership is non-existent without others to lead. This is the foundational principle in leadership: you exist to help others achieve a shared goal.
Hundreds of resources are available on leadership. All bring good perspectives to the table. I will never be able to give every single piece of knowledge there is in leading others, but it is my intent to provide tools for your leadership toolbox to help you in leading others toward whatever goal you are in the process of accomplishing. Just know that leadership is an ever evolving process that requires constant application of various tools and resources to help others reach the end goal.
The first tool to focus on are the 14 leadership traits as used by the United States Marine Corps. A great little ‘ditty’ to help us learn this is the acronym: JJ DID TIE BUCKLE. These 14 traits are: Justice, Judgement, Decisiveness, Integrity, Dependability, Tact, Initiative, Enthusiasm, Bearing, Unselfishness, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, and Enthusiasm.
JJ DID TIE BUCKLE
Justice
Defined: “Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishments on merit.”
As leaders, we eventually face challenges that involve a situation between multiple parties. When making a decision and acting upon it, did we consider all parties and information involved in an unbiased view? Fairness is a result of acting upon objective information, not factless opinion. Just because you like employee A over employee B, perhaps employee B deserves the raise due to outperforming employee A by producing more value to the situation. In the event people are to be reprimanded, make sure to include EVERYONE involved who meets the criteria, not excluding those who are close to you on a personal level.
When leaders act, they create a baseline from which future decisions are measured against. Consistency in how we act is crucial in building strong relationships with people. It builds and becomes part of your reputation, your brand. This trait is representive of the moral principles you hold as an individual and leader. There will be times your just decisions will offend and possibly hurt others on a personal level. As long as you properly exercised Justice, giving fair consideration to the situation and acting in a manner consistent with past experiences, the negative response in others is a reflection of their internal viewpoint, or “reality tunnel.” As my father always tells me, “you can’t fight Right, but, you better be Right first.”
Judgement
Defined: “Judgment is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.”
Judgement and Justice go hand in hand. Judgement is the trait used to bring about Justice. If Justice is the result, Judgement is the process. In order to develop this trait, approach items in an “unattached” manner. Zen Buddhist call this mental state “mushin no shin” which translates to “the mind without mind” or a state of “no mindness.” This does not mean that we are braindead to the world, but that we cultivate a mind not distracted by thought or emotion. This allows the mind to be in a state of awareness that is open to everything present. To put things simply, leaders first shut out the internal chatter and observe all they can without attached opinion. Meditation is a proven valuable tool in developing this state.
Decisiveness
Defined: “Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.”
“A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.” -George S. Patton
Decisiveness DRIVES action. As leaders, we make choices for the group to get them to the goal. We CANNOT wait till the perfect time, choice, or environment arrives. We must act quickly with the best information currently available. In battle this builds momentum and energy needed to overcome obstacles.
The top frustration I see with people that give advice in this forum is a lack of decisiveness from the readers. They receive FANTASTIC information worth its weight in gold, but still wait around for more. They wait till they have “the full picture” or “the perfect plan.” Here is the thing, the perfect plan will never arrive. In combat, your plan lasts until you make first contact with the enemy. From there, you constantly are reacting and adapting to a rapidly changing situation. You push, he pulls; he flanks, you counter. Leaders HAVE to be adaptable.
Time is the one resource we cannot create more of. Waiting only wastes the most valuable resource we have available. Take what you have now and RUN WITH IT! By using Justice and Judgement, you will be able to overcome the obstacles once they arrive.
Integrity
Defined: “Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.”
Integrity is a pretty straightforward concept. It is essentially a state of congruency in how you act with what principles you adhere to. Acting within the guidelines set by the moral principles you choose to believe is acting with integrity. Integrity is a hallmark of character. It goes together with Justice and several other traits that create your reputation. Acting with Integrity solidifies relationships with others and produces value because one acts from a higher sense of purpose (a purpose focused on others), and not out of selfish desire. By having and utilizing Integrity, leaders build Loyalty between those they lead and themselves.
Dependability
Defined: “Dependability means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.”
Dependability is doing what you say you will do or are expected to do. It is the fulfillment of obligations we create with other people. Dependability creates trust, which creates Loyalty, which creates relationships that act as force multipliers in our lives. Dependability produces an immense amount of value due to its relationship with TIME. By being dependable, we save time for others by avoiding situations that develop as a result of not fulfilling the obligations we create. The fastest way to break trust between a leader and those they lead is by not being dependable in fulfilling obligations.
On the battlefield, Dependability saves lives. We depend on the person fighting to our left and our right to protect our weak flanks. We depend on them to provide aid when we are wounded. We depend on them to accomplish their mission so that we can accomplish ours in turn. By being dependable, we set the conditions needed for others to accomplish their goals. This one trait helps all involved by multiplying value throughout the whole organization.
Tact
Defined: “Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.”
Tact is the trait of putting others first in interactions; to be able to view things from their viewpoint. When we act with Tact, we are interacting in a manner that seeks to find solutions, not develop more issues. We do this by putting thought of others before ourselves. Tact is violated when Ego decides to override the situation and decides you are more important. Pride is a huge example of this. When we act from a mindset of lack and not abundance, of selfishness instead of compassion, we say or act in a way that spirals into a situation producing disharmony and strife. This generates more problems due to leeching value from others to feed opinions that produce feelings of superiority, instead of helping all those around to rise up with us.
Many leaders think that being firm is “my way or the highway.” Firmness is utilizing Integrity to make sure what we say and do matches what we value. It is making a choice and developing it instead of jumping from choice to choice to please one person at a time. Firmness is the application of Justice in how we present ourselves and our actions.
Initiative
Defined: “Initiative is taking action even though you haven't been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.”
This trait is what separates the amateurs from the professionals. This is how millions and billions are made. Initiative is taking action without being told to do it. It is seeing an opportunity and acting swiftly.
Initiative and Decisiveness are very similar in that they prompt action. While Decisiveness is acting quickly after clearly considering the information present in a short duration of time, Initiative is acting with limited information in order to seize an opportunity. Initiative is the biggest impulse to momentum. It is taking action NOW, even if you are not sure how to do it or have the resources available.
Initiative allows us a unique ability to “hijack” time. It gives us an edge, and opportunity to ACT while forcing others to REACT. We may not know what to do next or with what resources, but now that others are reacting to our choices, this forces them to work in the present focusing on the past while we work in the present focusing on the future. The gap in the reaction time is the new hijacked free time we have to make decisions and move ahead. By the time they catch up, we will be two steps ahead, setting momentum in our favor.
*The decision making cycle is called the OODA Loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. By taking the initiative and acting, we are at the end of the cycle, forcing others to start the loop at the beginning. This is the HOW of why it works.
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Last edited by a moderator:
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today
